The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) will hold 3×3 basketball for the second straight year in support of a national program to strengthen the country’s chances in what is now an Olympic sport.

NCAA Management Committee Chairman Frank Gusi of University of Perpetual Help announced the league’s decision yesterday during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Tapa King in Cubao, Quezon City.

“This is the second year of 3×3, but it still remains as a special event,” emphasized Gusi during the weekly forum presented by Tapa King, San Miguel Corporation and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

“But after three years, the policy board will decide if it will become a regular event,” he added.

Following a successful ‘NCAA on Tour’ last year, the league will again troop to member schools for home-and-away games to engage more school community interaction and support.

This year, the NCAA will be hosted by Jose Rizal University on July 12, Arellano University on July 19, Emilio Aguinaldo College on July 26, Letran-Calamba on August 2 and UPHR on August 9.

As host university for the first time in seven years, the Altas also get the first crack on the defending champion Red Lions on opening day set July 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Altas-Red Lions showdown is slated at 2 p.m. before the 4 p.m. clash between Season 93 runner-up Lyceum of the Philppines University and semi-finalist San Sebastian College-Recoletos.

Basketball, volleyball, track and field and swimming were also announced as mandatory sports to be included in the general championship for juniors’, men’s and women’s for all member schools.